The trial of George Michael kicked off today with the singer pleading guilty to the charge of driving while unfit through drugs. The 43-year-old told the court that he was guilty due to "tiredness and prescribed drugs" following his arrest last October, when the former Wham! frontman was found by police slumped at the wheel of his Mercedes at an intersection in Cricklewood, north London.

According to reports from the courtroom, the star appeared confused when asked to enter his plea, at first saying "not guilty". His lawyer Brian Spiro is then said to have told him: "No, guilty", at which point the two had a brief discussion. The singer then told the judge: ""My point was a different point. I plead guilty due to tiredness and prescribed drugs."

Judge Katherine Marshall then told the defendant he had to give a plea based on the wording of the charge against him, to which he replied: "So I just say the one word? OK, Guilty."

The singer's defence team had been hoping that he wouldn't have to stand trial but Judge Marshall ordered him to attend proceedings, taking place at Brent Magistrates' Court in northwest London. An additional charge of being in a vehicle while unfit through drugs was dropped.

Sign up for the Guardian Today

Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.